NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Now that the Red Sox have filled their first base vacancy by agreeing in principle to a three-year contract, reportedly worth $39 million, with free agent slugger Mike Napoli, they can turn their attention to other pursuits.

Here's what we're hearing:

--Talks between the Red Sox and free agent right fielder Nick Swisher are "moving slow," according to an industry source, although with the Napoli negotiations complete, they may be about to accelerate. Like Napoli, Swisher would fit the Red Sox' grind-it-out offensive philosophy, and as a switch-hitter, he would help balance a lineup that is becoming increasingly right-handed with the additions of Napoli and left fielder Jonny Gomes. (Cody Ross, another right field option, is a right-handed hitter.) One downside to Swisher: He received a qualifying offer from the Yankees, so signing him would require the Sox to forfeit their second-round pick.

--One source characterized the Red Sox' interest in free agent right-hander Ryan Dempster as "medium." Dempster, 35, is looking for a three-year deal, and the Sox may not be willing to go so long. For what it's worth, Dempster is close friends and golfing buddies with Kevin Millar.

--The Red Sox have discussed outfielder Shane Victorino, another switch-hitter capable of playing right field. But the Cleveland Indians are showing serious interest, according to a major league source. The source said Victorino is believed to be seeking a three-year contract worth approximately $10 million per season.

--A major league scout described Napoli as "below average" at first base, but indicated he's probably better than some players with far more experience at the position, including the Phillies' Ryan Howard.

--The addition of Napoli also gives the Red Sox even more depth behind the plate, making it even likelier that either Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Ryan Lavarnway will be traded before spring training. One potential match: the Chicago White Sox. They may be willing to deal right-hander Gavin Floyd, who has only one year left on his contract. The Chicago Cubs also may be looking for catching help, and Theo Epstein always has liked Saltalamacchia.